Laureth-21

What is Laureth-21?

Laureth-21 is a polyoxyethylene (21) lauryl ether, synthesized by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol, often derived from coconut or palm kernel oils, with 21 ethylene oxide units. This imparts hydrophilic properties to the lipophilic alcohol base, making it water-soluble. Primarily used in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on emulsions such as creams and lotions, it functions by reducing surface tension between oil and water. This action stabilizes mixtures, lifts impurities through micelle formation, and disperses hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous systems for uniform, clear formulations. Its higher ethoxylation degree enhances mildness compared to shorter-chain versions.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Enables effective removal of dirt and oils via micelle formation.

Supports stable oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions.

Facilitates clear incorporation of fragrances in toners and sprays.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily foaming cleansers and shampoos.
Those with sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals preferring non-comedogenic surfactant systems.
Users avoiding ethoxylated surfactants.
People formulating or using water-based fragrance products.
Individuals preferring strictly natural-derived cleansers.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low to moderate hazard by EWG with scores of 1-3.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review experts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-21

What does Laureth-21 do in cosmetics?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify oils and water, and solubilize fragrances.

Is Laureth-21 comedogenic?

Rated 0, indicating low likelihood of pore-clogging.

Is Laureth-21 safe for most skin types?

Generally considered safe in cosmetics with low irritation potential per reviews.